According to Deadline, Costner will play "William Harper, a true blue American idealist who recruits and mentors both Ryan [to be played by Chris Pine] and John Kelly, the latter of whom becomes the CIA operative Clark by the end of Without Remorse." Costner's role, one being created for both films, will essentially serve as the bridge between two potential Paramount franchises. A great idea if well executed, but it gets better...

Almost as an afterthought, Deadline briefly mentions that Tom Hardy (THE DARK KNIGHT RISES) is being courted by Paramount to play 'John Kelly' aka 'Mr. Clark' in WITHOUT REMORSE. Should he accept and say yes, then essentially, THIS MEANS WAR will become official Tom Clancy canon.